I want to thank you for all of the work you've invested in this project over the last two years. I don't mean to sound like a brown-noser, but you really were THE guy I wanted for this project, and I continue to stand by that. However, I understand you have other commitments/projects that you'd like to get underway (Hellboy 3, Frankenstein, and At the Mountains of Madness to name a few). And while I would love nothing more than for you to direct these films, I very much look forward to your future work.

I'd also like to thank you for dropping by every now and then and talking to us fans. It really is a testament to your character.

I'm very sorry that it's come to this. Obviously it's out of everybody's hands, but it really is an absolute shame. I guess all I can do is hope and pray that most of your design work remains intact in the final version, since I am a huge fan of your aesthetic eye. This is especially true for Smaug. Your comments on his design especially had me grinning from ear to ear.

All I can say is thank you for the work you've done, good luck with your future endeavors, and all the best.